Hello all! This is Rob Raskin of Las Vegas, and this week I want to talk to you about what to do when a flash flood strikes. We are still months away from Vegas’s “monsoon season,” which typically falls in July and August, so now is the time to learn more about this topic and not later—when it may be too late. When a flash flood occurs, the water can arrive suddenly, and some people may not survive because they don’t have time to react. The key is to know what to do beforehand so you can act quickly.
Before a flood strikes:
- Have any supplies you may need to protect yourself and your property on-hand, such as floatation devices, sandbags, first-aid kits, waterproof bags for your valuables or documents, and a radio so you can call for help if you need to.
If you are caught in a flash flood:
- Don’t try to cross the floodwaters
- Stay aware of your surroundings
- If your car is stuck, get out as fast as you can.
If you can’t get out of your car, you may find yourself trapped due to pressure, so you’ll need to climb out a window if you can, even if you have to break it. If that isn’t possible, wait until the car starts to fill with water and then slowly open the door after the pressure between the inside and outside of the car have had time to stabilize.
Let’s hope none of us ever need to use these tips, but if you do, it’s always smart to be prepared. Do you have any tips you’d like to add? Let me, Rob Raskin, know in the comments.
How to escape from a submerged car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maywde6eILE